(Editor’s Note: PromoWire by PPAI Media is a running digest of news releases and updates submitted from organizations around the promotional products industry. PPAI Media edits these only slightly, including for length, and will consider newsworthy entries from any member organization.)

October 24, 2022

Former Colleagues Remember Industry Veteran Dennis Sherman

Dennis Sherman, a veteran of the promotional products industry who once led the sales operations for leading supplier BIC Graphic USA, died earlier this month near his home in Florida, only weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

BIC Graphic, the predecessor of Koozie Group, had been the largest supplier in the industry for much of Sherman's tenure.

Sherman rose through its ranks to become vice president of sales and marketing in 1999, helping to produce powerful annual revenue growth that pushed the company north of $500 million. By 2003, he was working independently as a consultant specializing in consumer product sales, operations and executive management.

Former colleagues remember him as an affable person and effective businessman.

“Dennis was my boss and friend for many years," says David Saracino, a former BIC Graphic executive now serving as VP of sales at Charles River Apparel. "Dennis was a leader who was always available to help. He had a wonderful rapport with our customers and he provided excellent service and support. He also very much enjoyed meetings and group dinners with team members and clients, and always played a big role in our many sales meetings together."

Lori Bauer, now a senior vice president at iPROMOTEu, joined the promo industry at BIC Graphic in the late '90s. She remembers Sherman as someone who took pride in his teams, "and always pushed us to deliver results and to grow beyond our comfort zones. He did this with humor and laughter, putting those around him at ease. His dedication to his family was admirable. Dennis’s smile and friendship will be missed by many."

Sherman's contributions to the promotional products industry also include a term on the PPEF Board of Trustees.

"Dennis was especially proud of his family, and was a great husband and father to his two children," Saracino says. "We spent many hours together and he will be missed by me, and certainly many others in our industry.”

October 21, 2022

Promotional Source Names New VP Of Sales And Marketing

Promotional Source is very pleased and excited to announce that Brian Leigh has joined the team as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Brian comes to us with over 35 years of senior leadership experience including 11 years in the Canadian promotional products industry.

Brian will oversee our talented sales team as we continue to grow in the Canadian marketplace. He believes in a collaborative approach where we provide our customers with service that exceeds their expectations and act as a true partner to our suppliers, always bringing forth the best possible solutions to grow our businesses collectively.

Brian will also oversee our marketing and vendor relations responsibilities. He has a strong history of bringing innovative and creative ideas to both our customers and our sales team and is looking forward to working with our vendor partners to think proactively and strategically as we elevate Promotional Source to a new level and provide our customers a point of difference in the industry.

Orbus’ Joe Douglas Selected As One Of SAAGNY’s 40 Under 40

Orbus Exhibit & Display Group®, North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events, retail environments and corporate interiors, is excited to announce Joe Douglas, Trade Show & Event Manager, has been selected as one of SAAGNY’s 40 under 40.

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY) is the largest regional trade association of its kind with approximately 600 firms engaged in the specialty advertising and promotional products industry in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Members include distributors, suppliers, multi-line representatives, and business services companies.

SAAGNY’s 40 Under 40 is a celebration of young promotional products professionals in the SAAGNY community. Those awarded have made noticeable contributions to their company, the SAAGNY community, and the promotional products industry. Winners will be celebrated during the awards ceremony at Promotions East in Atlantic City NJ.

“It is an honor to be included in this group of enthusiastic and determined peers within the promotional products world,” says Joe Douglas, “I am very thankful for the connections and resources that being a part of this association has given me.”